Final Pkg 060226

Regular Board of County Commissioners Meeting · 2026-06-02 · agenda_packet

[600 S. Commerce Ave. Sebring, FL 33870] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 2, 2026. The agenda includes various administrative items, budget amendments, and agreements. Notable items include the renewal of an agreement with FDOT for state highway lighting maintenance, a request to waive landfill tipping fees for the Annual Caladium Festival, and approval of budget amendments for education/training and the Sebring Fuel Station Project. An agreement with Avon Park Aeromodelers, Inc. for the use of a landfill site for remote control aircraft flying was also presented. Proclamation recognizing June 8th - June 12th, 2026, as 'Code Enforcement Officer's Appreciation Week' in Highlands County. The proclamation highlights the role of Code Enforcement Officers in ensuring safety, health, and welfare through enforcement of various codes and ordinances. Audit presentation for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, by Clifton Larson Allen LLP. The audit covered the ACFR, Landfill Management Escrow Account, and statement of County Funded Court-Related Functions. Key findings include no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in financial statements, but three material weaknesses in Federal & State awards. The audit opinion for financial statements was unmodified. [730 CR 17A East, Avon Park, Florida] Approval of an agreement between Avon Park Aeromodelers, Inc. and Highlands County for the use of approximately 28 acres of the closed Avon Park Class III Landfill site located at 730 CR 17A East, Avon Park, Florida, for flying remote control model aircraft. The agreement has an initial term of 10 years, with potential for 5-year extensions. The Licensee is responsible for mowing and maintaining the roadway, parking area, and grass area for take-off and landing, as well as maintaining the trailer on the property. The Licensee shall pay a $10.00 annual license fee. [State Highways within Highlands County; case ASH11, 412579-1-78-02] Renewal of the FDOT State Highway Lighting, Maintenance, and Compensation Agreement (Contract Number ASH11, Financial Project Number 412579-1-78-02) for FY 26-27. Highlands County will receive $270,539.15 for maintaining 755 streetlights on State Highways. This is an increase of $7,882.20 compared to the previous fiscal year. Request to waive landfill tipping fees for the Annual Caladium Festival, scheduled for July 24-26, 2026. The Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce estimates four (4) tons of Class 1 waste, with a waived cost of $220.00 ($55.00 per ton). This is based on an estimate of two roll-off bins. [case 25-26-084] Request approval of Budget Amendment #25-26-084 to realign funding in project 22032 for upcoming education and training. The amendment involves a decrease of $10,000.00 from Account 55403Z (Project Travel & Per Diem) and an increase of $10,000.00 to Account 54000Z (Project Educ & Training). Request authority to remit payment of $23,500.00 to Dr. Cary Pigman for Medical Director services rendered to Highlands County Fire Rescue on an emergency basis from November 26, 2025, to April 30, 2026, prior to the formal agreement being signed on April 21, 2026. The payment is from Cost Center 5105 (Ambulance Service 005) in Account 53100 Professional Services. Request for signatures on the Webster Bank ACH Auto Debit Enrollment Form for the Series 2025 Loan. This is an administrative action to facilitate electronic payments. Request for approval of the Children's Advocacy Center's Interagency Agreement with the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). This agreement is a renewal required every two years to demonstrate community support for the CAC and MDT process. It takes effect on June 1, 2026. [Highlands County, Florida] Highlands County is considering a partnership with Major League Fishing (MLF) for a tournament event in December 2026. The county intends to pursue an advertising and promotional partnership not to exceed $60,000, subject to future approvals and funding. MLF will be responsible for staging and managing tournament operations. This is a non-binding Letter of Intent. [Sebring, Florida; case Project #21112] Highlands County is requesting adoption of Resolution 25-26-126 for Budget Amendment 25-26-087 for the Sebring Fuel Station Project. This amendment allocates an additional $298,000 for project materials identified during the review and permitting process, in coordination with the Fire Marshal, Building Official, and SEMCO Amendment #1. [Sebring Parkway, Sebring, Florida; case ITB 23-007] Highlands County is requesting approval of Amendment #3 with Jack's Lawn and Landscaping for Parkway mowing services. This amendment extends the contract term for an additional year, effective June 2, 2026, with a fiscal impact of approximately $95,000. The budget for this service is in Fund 110, Cost Center 4110 (Sebring Parkway Maintenance), with a 50% reimbursement from the City of Sebring. [case Project 21054] Highlands County is requesting adoption of Resolution 25-26-088R for Budget Amendment 25-26-088, allocating an additional $55,840 from Building Department reserves for Project 21054 – Building Department Remodel. These funds are for necessary upgrades to restroom facilities and the addition of office space within the department. [O.S. Sam Polston Auditorium at the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Agricultural Center, 4590 George Blvd, Sebring, FL 33875] Highlands County is considering a fee waiver for the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida for the use of the O.S. Sam Polston Auditorium at the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Agricultural Center on June 6th. The rental cost is $250.00 and a deposit of $350.00. The waiver would result in a loss of revenue of $250.00 to Fund 005 (General). [Highlands County] Highlands County is considering the adoption of the Impact Fee Infrastructure Projects List, which identifies infrastructure and facility needs over the next five years. If adopted, impact fees could fund eligible growth-related capital improvements. The list includes projects for Fire Rescue/EMS, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, Government Buildings, Libraries, Parks & Recreation, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, and Multi-modal Transportation. [Highlands County; case Project Rollover #4] Highlands County is requesting adoption of Resolution 25-26-129 for Budget Amendment 25-26-091 to rollover project balances from FY24/25 into FY25/26. This amendment ensures proper budgeting of available funds for projects not completed or rolled over by September 30, 2025. The net fiscal impact is an increase of $34,848.50 across various funds. [600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, Florida] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners is requested to approve the minutes from the April 21, 2026, Regular Meeting with two corrections: 1) The acreage in item 9B Public Hearing was corrected from '327.26 acres' to '327.76 acres'. 2) The amended item in the Action Agenda approval was corrected from '8A' to '8C'. [case SMB 162 Page 19 & Res. Book 40 Page 45] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a Proclamation recognizing May 2026 as "ALS Awareness Month". No public comment was provided. [case SMB 162 Page 20 & Res. Book 40 Page 46] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a Proclamation to observe May 2026 as "Older American's Month". No public comment was provided. [case SMB 162 Page 21 & Res. Book 40 Page 47] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a Proclamation recognizing May 2026 as "Florida Orange Juice Month". No public comment was provided. [case SMB 162 Page 22] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved applying for a Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) Grant. No public comment was provided. [case ITB 25-028-CLD] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved ITB 25-028-CLD with Excavation Point for Asphalt Milling for $192,000. [case Resolution 25-26-104, Budget Amendment 25-26-065] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 25-26-104 for Budget Amendment 25-26-065 to appropriate $3,223,736.00 from the Tourist Development Trust for facility development and enhancement projects. This item was moved to the action agenda as item 10K. [case Resolution 25-26-112, Budget Amendment 25-26-076] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 25-26-112 for Budget Amendment 25-26-076 to realign $44,717.87 between projects. No public comment was provided. Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved the Tower Removal Agreement between Highlands County, Duke Energy Florida, LLC (property owner), and PeakNet, LLC (tower owner/operator). No public comment was provided. [case Library of Consultants file] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved nine (9) agreements from the Professional Services Library of Consultants Category 2, Professional Engineering, at no cost. No public comment was provided. [case Charlotte County Shell Pit file] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved the Amendment 2 for the Shell Pit Occupancy Agreement at no cost. No public comment was provided. [Station 41; case BA 25-26-074] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved BA 25-26-074 Project 25043 Station 41 Renovations for $70,000. No public comment was provided. [Multi-Sports Complex; case SMB 162 Page 27] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a waiver of fees for Highlands County YMCA at Multi-Sports Complex totaling $1,050.00. No public comment was provided. [case Hickey Mining Inc file] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners considered the Reclamation Surety Bond for Mining Reclamation between Highlands County and Hickey Mining, Inc. No public comment was provided. [case Resolution 25-26-117] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 25-26-117 for the Six Remnants Defendants Opioid Settlement. No public comment was provided. [case COPCN file] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved the application for Wheelchair Transport Service for a Class 1 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN). No public comment was provided. [case Ordinance 25-26-09, CPA-26-650LS] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved and adopted Ordinance 25-26-09 for CPA-26-650LS, amending Paragraph 48 of the Site-Specific Development Conditions of the Highlands County 2050 Comprehensive Plan. This amendment removes site-specific development conditions from four parcels totaling 14.49 acres and reduces the maximum single-family dwelling units on the remaining 327.76 acres from 1,050 to 983. No public comment was provided. [case Resolution 25-26-106, P&Z 2187] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved and adopted Resolution 25-26-106 for P&Z 2187, changing the Official Zoning Atlas for approximately 10.09 acres from AU Agricultural District to AU CU Agricultural District with a Conditional Use for a slaughterhouse and meat processing facility, with accessory uses. Supporters included Frank Youngman (Board of Adjustment Chairman), Rob Bullock (Farm Bureau President), and Dennis Coulter (applicant). [Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District; case Ordinance No. 25-26-11] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No. 25-26-11 to amend the Istokpoga Marsh Watershed Improvement District to allow a Hybrid Taxing system. Supporters included Jim Sartori (landowner) and Noah Handley (Lykes Brothers). [case Medical Director file] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved the Medical Director Agreement, bringing Dr. Cary Pigman onboard as the Medical Director for Fire Rescue. No public comment was provided. [Lake Placid; case Resolution 25-26-110, Budget Amendment 25-26-073] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 25-26-110 for Budget Amendment 25-26-073 for Lake Placid Fire Station construction, allocating $500,000.00. Ray Royce, a Lake Placid resident, spoke in support. [CR 29; case Resolutions 25-26-098 and 25-26-111, Budget Amendment 25-26-075] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolutions 25-26-098 and 25-26-111 for Budget Amendment 25-26-075 to appropriate $2,330,311.00 for the widening and resurfacing of CR 29. No public comment was provided. [Sun 'n Lake Sebring Improvement District] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners discussed amendments to the Sun 'n Lake Sebring Improvement District Code related to governing body elections. There was significant public comment, with many residents opposing the changes and a few in support. The Commission reached a consensus for legal to draft an ordinance with different options. No formal decision was made on the ordinance itself. [case Resolution 25-26-115, Budget Amendment 25-26-081] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 25-26-115 for Budget Amendment 25-26-081 to appropriate an additional $619,854.70 for Sheriff projects. No public comment was provided. [1127 E. Winthrop Street, Avon Park, Florida 33825] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved the Real Property Purchase Agreement for property located at 1127 E. Winthrop Street, Avon Park, Florida, for $338,000.00. This property will also be utilized by Fire Rescue. No public comment was provided. [E. Winthrop St., Avon Park; case Resolution 25-26-114, Budget Amendment 25-26-078] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 25-26-114 for Budget Amendment 25-26-078, authorizing the transfer of $338,000.00 from Project 21038 (Property Acquisition) to Project 25044 (E. Winthrop Land Purchase) for future county needs. No public comment was provided. [case Tourist Development Council file] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved an agreement between Synergy Sports Charlotte, LLC and Highlands County for $475,000. Task authorizations will come back to the Board on future consent agendas. No public comment was provided. [CR 731; case Resolutions 25-26-096 and 25-26-113, Budget Amendment 25-26-077] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolutions 25-26-096 and 25-26-113 for Budget Amendment 25-26-077 to appropriate $1,904,154.00 for the widening and resurfacing of CR 731. No public comment was provided. [case SMB 162 Page 38] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved a letter of support for Gentiva Hospice's Certificate of Need Application. No public comment was received. [case Resolution 25-26-104, Budget Amendment 25-26-065] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution 25-26-104 for Budget Amendment 25-26-065 to appropriate $3,081,736.00 from Fund 152 (Tourist Development Trust) for facility development and enhancement projects. Commissioner Campbell stated that encumbering the funds allows the TDC to move forward with Sports Complex projects. No public comment was received. [Unincorporated Highlands County; case P&Z 2191, Ordinance 25-26-14] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved and adopted Ordinance 25-26-14, amending the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) to include definitions for "recovery residence" and "certified recovery residence," list "certified recovery residence" as a permitted use in R-3 and R-3 NC zoning districts, and create a new section for reasonable accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities. This amendment is required by SB 954 of 2025. No public comment was provided during the P&Z hearing. [Highlands County] Highlands County Board of County Commissioners approved the renewal of Med-Trans Corporation DBA AirStar 1's Class 4 Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for Air Ambulance Service. The certificate is effective June 2, 2026, and expires June 2, 2028. The service will provide twenty-four hour service to all geographic areas of Highlands County. No fiscal impact to the county. [case 25-26-14] Highlands County is considering an ordinance to amend its Land Development Regulations (LDRs) to include definitions for 'recovery residence' and 'certified recovery residence.' Certified recovery residences would be permitted uses in R-3 and R-3 NC zoning districts. The ordinance also establishes procedures for reasonable accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities, in compliance with state and federal law. The Board of County Commissioners held a first reading on June 2, 2026, and a final adoption reading on June 16, 2026. This ordinance is being enacted to implement state law (SB 954 of 2025, Section 397.487 F.S.) and federal law (Fair Housing Act). Highlands County is considering a ballot referendum for November 2026 to fund an environmentally sensitive lands program. The program aims to protect and improve water resources, agricultural lands, and wildlife corridors by acquiring property interests. The proposed bond issuance is up to $20 million, maturing within 20 years, with interest not exceeding the maximum legal rate, payable from ad valorem tax not exceeding 0.25 mill. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has conducted polling and provided recommendations. The Board of County Commissioners is asked to provide direction on whether to move forward with the referendum. Polling results indicated strong support for conservation and land preservation. Highlands County is reviewing its 2026 Impact Fee Study and Alternative Revenue Report, focusing on Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessments (MSBU) and Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTU). The Board of County Commissioners is considering setting an Impact Fee Public Hearing for June 16, 2026, with a proposed effective date of October 1, 2026. The study proposes impact fees for Fire Rescue and EMS, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, General Government Buildings, Library Facilities, Parks and Recreation, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, and Multi-Modal Transportation. The document details calculated impact fees for various land uses, including residential, non-residential, lodging, recreation, institutions, medical, office, retail, industrial, and services. For example, a single-family home (2k sf) has a total calculated impact fee of $16,133 under the 'All Roads' transportation model and $9,147 under the 'County Roads Only' model. A retail establishment (125,000 sf) has a total calculated impact fee of $22,052 ('All Roads') and $12,282 ('County Roads Only'). This document is an impact fee study for Highlands County, Florida, detailing the methodology and calculations for fire rescue, EMS, law enforcement, and correctional facilities impact fees. It outlines the capital asset inventory (land, buildings, vehicles, equipment), service area definitions, population analysis, level of service standards, cost components, credit components, and net impact costs. The study provides calculated impact fee schedules for various residential and non-residential land uses, comparing them to other Florida counties. It does not detail specific development projects but rather the framework for calculating fees that will apply to future development. This document is an impact fee study for Highlands County, detailing the calculations for various impact fees, including correctional facilities, general government buildings, library facilities, and parks and recreation facilities. It outlines the methodology for determining these fees based on capital costs, credits, and levels of service. The study provides detailed breakdowns of costs and fee schedules for different land uses and residential types. It also includes comparisons of Highlands County's proposed fees with those of other Florida counties. No specific development projects, applicants, or decisions are mentioned in this excerpt; it focuses on the methodology and fee structures. This document details impact fee studies for Highlands County, Florida, focusing on Parks and Recreation Facilities, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, and Multi-Modal Transportation. It outlines the methodologies for calculating these fees, including land and facility costs, level of service standards, and credits. The document provides detailed cost breakdowns per acre and per lane mile, and compares Highlands County's proposed fees with those of other Florida counties. It does not contain specific project proposals, applications, or decisions, but rather the framework for calculating development impact fees. This document is an impact fee study for Highlands County, dated April 2026. It details calculated multi-modal transportation impact fee rates for various land uses, including retail, services, and industrial. It also compares these fees to those in other jurisdictions and discusses the establishment of benefit districts for impact fee collection. The study projects potential impact fee revenues over a five-year period and analyzes population and functional population data to support these projections. No specific development projects, applications, or decisions are detailed in this excerpt. This document is an impact fee study for Benesch Highlands County, dated April 2026. It details population projections, building and land values for various service areas (Fire Rescue & EMS, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, General Government Buildings, Library Facilities, Parks and Recreation, Environmentally Sensitive Lands), and provides supplemental information for Multi-Modal Transportation Impact Fees. It does not contain specific project proposals, applications, or decisions, but rather provides cost data and projections that would inform future development. This document is an impact fee study for Highlands County, Florida, detailing transportation impact fee calculations. It includes data on trip generation rates for various land uses, construction costs for roadway improvements (county and state), right-of-way costs, design and engineering costs, and roadway capacity analysis. It also outlines the credit component for impact fees, detailing fuel tax revenues and their allocation to capital projects. Specific data points include average construction costs per lane mile for county roads ($2.6 million) and state roads ($7.0 million), and average capacity per lane mile (18,900 VMC). The document does not contain specific project applications, case numbers, or decisions on development proposals. This document is a supplemental report to a Highlands County funding study, focusing on alternative revenue sources. It details impact fee calculations for various land uses for both 'All Roads' and 'County Roads ONLY'. It also outlines transportation concurrency requirements and legislative trends, including proportionate share and mobility fees. The report includes detailed tables of calculated multi-modal transportation impact fees based on land use, trip rates, and other factors. Additionally, it lists planned and ongoing transportation projects with their associated funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Work Program from FY 2015 to FY 2029, and capital improvement project funding from the ISSRRRN, Series 2021 New Money Portion. This document details various funding options for Highlands County, including impact fees, sales taxes, fuel taxes, special assessments, and user fees. It outlines how these funds can be allocated to different service areas such as transportation, parks and recreation, libraries, emergency medical services, fire rescue, law enforcement, and more. The document also provides a detailed breakdown of calculated impact fees for various land uses and compares them to those in other Florida counties. Additionally, it includes status reports from the County Attorney and County Administrator, and a correction to a Medical Director Agreement. There are no specific development projects mentioned with addresses, sizes, or zoning changes in this portion of the document.